ARKADELPHIA, AR- The Ouachita Tigers (3-2, 2-0 GAC) currently stands as the only team undefeated so far in Great American Conference play, with conference victories over East Central University and University of Arkansas-Monticello. On Saturday, the Bulldogs of Southwestern Oklahoma State (4-2, 2-2 GAC) will be looking to take that bragging point away from the Tigers in what is sure to be a battle to the end.

The Tigers have faced two nationally ranked opponents in back-to-back weeks, leading to losses in both. The Tigers will be looking to rebound this weekend though and potentially keep their NCAA DIvision II playoff hopes alive. So far this season, the Tiger offense has been placed on the shoulders of junior quarterback Casey Cooper. Cooper is averaging 88 yards per game in rushing and 190 yards per game through the air while collecting a total of nine touchdowns so far. The Tiger running backs are led by sophomore Chris Rycraw, who comes in to Saturday's contest averaging 47.4 yards per carry, complementing his four touchdowns on the season. Junior Brett Reece has been the Tigers primary receiving threat coming in to the contest, averaging 69 yards per game while averaging 17.2 yards per catch so far. Seniors Travis Anderson and Clint Dewitt have also been favorite targets of Cooper, both averaging 32.2 yards per game through the air this year.

On defense, the Tigers will be relying on junior Augustine Ume-Ezeoke and senior Terrence Garrett. Ume-Ezeoke has collected 32 tackles so far this year, including a tackle for loss, as well as an interception and two pass break ups. Garrett has collected 31 tackles this season, while collecting a sack and a forced fumble. Also notable is junior safety Dijon Benton, who currently has 28 tackles to his name, as well as an interception, which he returned 38 yards for a defensive touchdown, to complement two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.

For the Tigers to win, not only will they have to rely on offense and defense, but special teams as well. Junior kicker Jason Fowler is coming off of a game in which he converted his career long field goal of 40 yards and made both of his kicks that were attempted against then #13 Valdosta State. Fowler has made all of his kicks from 20-29 yards out, while converting two of the four he has attempted from 30-39 yards. Sophomore punter Clark Gaddis will have to have a solid game as well, as he looks to pin the Bulldogs deep in their own territory in situations that the Tiger offense is stalled. Gaddis is currently averaging 39 yards per punt this season, with a 54 yard long. Eight of his 22 punts this season have pinned the opposing offense inside of their own 20 yard line.

The Tigers will be keeping a very close eye on Bulldog running back D.C. Walker, who is currently averaging 71.3 yards per game, while collecting four touchdowns so far this season. Southwestern quarterback Dustin Stenta has been pretty solid as well, averaging 248.2 yards per game this season through the air and collecting six touchdowns, but he has also thrown seven interceptions, a fact that the Tiger defense will be very aware of as the game kicks off. Stenta's favorite target this season has been receiver Bruce Hatton, who has currently collected 36 receptions on the season, although none of them have been for touchdowns.

The Tiger offense will be keeping their eyes peeled for Southwestern's Clarence Laster, who is having a spectacular season. Laster has currently collected 55 tackles in just six games, as well as six interceptions and a pass break up. Laster returned two of those interceptions for touchdowns.

Ouachita currently leads the series over Southwestern 5-2. The last time that these two teams met, it ended unfavorable for the Tigers, with a 14-3 loss during the last year that Ouachita competed in the Lone Star Conference. The Tigers look to force the series to 6-2 and collect their fourth win of the season.

Kickoff for Saturday's game will be at 6 p.m. at Fast Lane Field in Weatherford, Oklahoma.

-Josh Fink, Sports Information Director